Busquets: Vilanova absence hurting Barca

Sergio Busquets believes Barcelona’s struggles in recent weeks are down to the absence of head coach Tito Vilanova.

The Barca coach is recovering from throat cancer surgery and has been temporarily replaced by assistant Jordi Roura during his absence.

With Vilanova sidelined, Barca suffered a 2-0 defeat away to AC Milan in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16, before losing home and away to Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey and La Liga respectively.

“When the boss isn’t there, you’re always going to miss him. His absence is getting more difficult for us day by day,” Busquets told Efe.

“We will all have to do our utmost to get out of this. What matters most in Tito’s situation is his health, though.”

Busquets remains confident Barca can turn things around in Europe going into the second leg against Milan at Camp Nou next week.

“The players believe in a comeback more than anyone else,” he said.

“There will always be difficult times and we met two great teams. We are determined to get back on track, though, and we have what it takes to overcome Milan.

“We perhaps lack a bit of freshness and need to improve, but we will win games as always.”

Barcelona take on Deportivo La Coruna in La Liga on Saturday before hosting Milan on March 12.